​Let the Decorating Begin!
When I was asked to be the project lead to decorate the Residence of Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Washington, for the 2022 holiday season, I was over the moon! My task was to design a plan for the décor with the landscape designer, organize and gather décor available at the reserve with the thought of bringing the garden into the Residence and lead volunteers.
With just fourteen volunteers for three days, the decorating was spectacular! See our beautiful photos. https://bloedelreserve.org

​A few words about Extra Credit…
It rocks my world and there have been so many gains in student achievement and understanding about the world and interests beyond the grade level curriculum by simply having Extra Credit available to all students within the classroom.
    What do you do when your students have completed their classwork that will be challenging and take them beyond what they just learned? How do you motivate students to complete work that is already challenging for them?
     You offer Extra Credit to enhance all the learning going on in your classroom.
You are the gate keeper to learning, let us open the gates and let your students learn as much as possible in just one short year.
     Extra Credit cannot take the place of grades. Let it be said that extra is extraordinary, however test scores and assignments scores paint a picture we need to keep in mind when grading students. If students fall short they need more teaching on the areas where they are weaker. Extra credit cannot take the place of that weak area to boost the scores, only hard work on those skill areas can do that. Extra Credit is just extra, in addition, a bonus and lots of fun!
 
     You set up an area in your room where you can keep files of activities and the corresponding papers, resources to find information, a folder for each student to keep the Extra Credit work stored when not being worked on and an interesting economy system in class where students earn based on their extra credit work.
     Any set of cards, books, activity sheets, etc. can be turned into an Extra Credit Activity. What is Extra Credit? It is research, a mini project, a challenge.
Although the thought of building a system may be daunting, start slow and build one activity at a time because you must introduce and advertise each activity to make it exciting and enticing. Everyone needs a chance to do one of the activities, turn it in and see how easily the process works and to earn a reward.
 
     My reward were tickets that could be cashed in for a monthly auction. My students have helped me with Extra Credit and Auctions when they went to high school because they thought it was so fun and they learned so much more than just using a textbook. So…that being said Extra Credit is very literacy heavy. It is all about reading and writing. Read, learn, write about what you learned. This is the time to teach formatting, quality work, and turning it in when completed. This is exactly the type of practice our students need and they are choosing from your array of choices what they are interested in the most. This is a win-win and I have been developing and revamping my tried and true activities to make it easy for you to start….
​Tuscarora Teacher
 
Please check out my links on my website and products may be found on Teachers Pay Teachers when you are ready...

Another 5 days of working round the clock to set up a room before school starts. Lots of help and lots of ideas. the Before and After

 ​Start the Year Off with Literacy
 
From the very first day of school, as you learn your students…you will see that some students finish their work quickly and efficiently while other students take more time with many variabilities in between. For the fast finishers: Quality is Key, Do it Nice or Do it Twice…etc. Hold them to high standards for accuracy, completeness and neatness…it will set the tone for the year and all new assignments. Getting Acquainted Activities are essential to begin with small non-threatening assignments that can be accomplished fairly quickly and help you learn your students while amassing great work to be posted in your room and shared at conferences with parents and saved as a work collection for the end of the year. (Students enjoy reminiscing about completing the work earlier in the year and will be amazed how much they have learned.) 
 
As your fast finishers complete a task, hand them a book…or quietly have them join you in the class library. Show them your procedure for checking out a book. Students will also need a bookmark because each time you reconvene the group, they will mark where they left off and then as they finish the next assignment, they already know the expectation is to read and they have a book calling to them. It is win-win for students and teachers. Not only are students learning class procedures, they are also ready to train other students in the class. Soon most students will have a book to read. Start out with something humorous, or a collection of many short stories that will meet many reading levels, keep it high interest and accessible. 
 
School’s In! is one of my favorites to get everyone reading…

 Let’s Talk About Packing for a Trip to Europe
I have been lucky enough to travel to Europe and I have packing for me down to an art. I might be a little obsessive about packing light for a trip that involves me lugging a suitcase around, I try to keep my bag under 24 lbs. Now a road trip is not a problem. Pop the case in the trunk and off you go. A trip without a car requires you to be the hauler. These tips should make it easy to pick what to take, so it easily fits in your bag and is lightweight and a breeze to plan what to wear at your destination. Easy Peasy
So here is how I do it. 

Clothes for Ladies
I pull out all clothes contenders and try on every piece and see what I can mix and match. Try to use what you have, then you will only need a few additional items. Unless you are going on a safari, do not get the zippered, pocketed safari like clothes, wear clothes that look smart and that are cool and comfortable.
I plan carefully what I need for the climate. Is it cool, warm, hot? 
For a spring/summer/fall trip to warm  climates I plan on: 
 
1 pair of jeans—I like these for the plane because they look great when you arrive, are casual for a simple night out and comfy for the hotel room, and they don’t need to be washed every time you wear them
1-2 pairs of slacks/capris—if you are anti capri, which pants can you roll up a bit to change the look?
3-4 skirts--lightweight to pack, look nice, cooler than pants
5-6 Tops to go with pants and skirts—some sleeveless (instantly looks long sleeved under a cardigan), short sleeved, maybe one long sleeved 
1-2 cardigans—always dresses up an outfit, can be tied around shoulders, can be opened or closed for a different look
Optional
1 dress—if I need to dress up, they are sometimes heavy—reversible might be an choice
Shorts—if you are going to be walking in hot sun with lots of climbing/hiking
Swimsuit, only if you plan to use it, question whether it is worth taking to use once
Scarf—buy at destination, fun to hunt for…make great packable gifts
*Love: Royal Robbins, Toad and Co., J Jill, NYDJ 
 
Unders
3-4 socks, athletic
1 heavier socks or compression socks for plane or cool evening
7 panties
2 bras
1 PJ
3 camis
*Love: JJill Essential Tank, ExOffico Unders dry in no time, wick perspiration
 
Clothes for Men
4 pairs of travel pants—fabric that dries quickly and folds well, lightweight
1 pair shorts if you are going to be walking in hot sun with lots of climbing/hiking
4-5 short sleeved shirts—quick drying
Swimsuit, only if you plan to use it, question whether it is worth taking to use once
1 pair nice slacks if needed
1 dress shirt if needed
1 lightweight sweater/fleece
*Love: Royal Robbins, Eddie Bauer
 
Unders
5 socks, athletic
1 heavier socks or compression socks for plane or cool evening
7 underwear
3-4 T-shirts
*Love: ExOffico Unders dry in no time, wick perspiration
 
Outerwear
Rain jacket
Lightweight Fleece—great on plane or cool morning/evening (optional)
Lightweight Packable Vest or Coat (optional)
Hat for sun
Umbrella—buy at destination if needed
 
Shoes—most important item you bring
Ladies
1 pair walking shoes/athletic—wear on the plane, should look ok with pants, capris, shorts maybe skirts, should be lightweight enough to fit in suitcase if needed
1-2 sandals—must be as comfy as walking shoes, the additional pair if you can fit them in the suitcase to switch out to give your feet a rest—must be as comfy as walking shoes, try one sandal with closed toes for a different look and varied uses
shower shoes—buy at destination if needed
Try all shoes all day in all walking conditions, if they are not comfortable do notbring them.
Men
1 pair walking shoes/athletic—wear on the plane—Ecco makes dressier looking shoes than athletic shoes
1 additional pair if you have room
shower shoes—buy at destination if needed
Try all shoes all day in all walking conditions, if they are not comfortable do not bring them. It is nice to have shoes you can wash off in the shower and they can dry. 
 
Jewelry
Bring a watch you will use it every day!
Bring a few earrings and maybe a chain, look for a pendant to go on the chain or earrings to remember the trip
Don’t bring anything you would be upset if you lost, including wedding rings.
*Earrings and small jewelry makes great gifts and take up little space to pack.
 
Packing
Use zippered packing cubes and roll 1-2-3 items together. It is easy to see what you have, a snap to put back after cleaning and super organized to pack. One could be used to hold dirty clothes. 
Use all the parts of your suitcase including under the lining, all zippered areas, separate items to ease locating and pull out; a hat or a jacket for instance. Always put things back in the place you took them from so you will always no where they are or if they are not packed.
 

​Laundry
Use hotel laundry service for emergencies or items that won’t hold shape (or leave them at home)
Use hotel shampoo and shower: lay clothes in bottom of the shower, wet, rub some shampoo on your hands, let if fall on clothes, get a nice suds/lather, rub clothes around then rinse thoroughly. 
Wring out carefully, then shake to get all the wrinkles out. Hang inside the shower to let drip, on hangers or clothesline you bring. You can string around the bathroom, just put towels out to catch water.
You can take a drain stopper (flat and easy to pack) and use the sink for smaller items. Rinse thoroughly.
The idea is, each day, wash what you wore and hang it to dry. You will not have a ton to do, it will be done and mostly dry, you won’t have to deal with tons of wet clothes all over your room. I use a dry bag for clothes that are not quite dry, fold it in the top of my suitcase and hang clothes as soon as I get into the hotel room. Easy.
You might not be able to get stains out, with no washer, don’t bring anything extra delicate or that you are afraid to toss if it is not salvageable.
*Love: Rick Steves Clothes Lines (2 to hook together), Teamoy Travel Hanging Wet Dry Bag (24.7×18 inches) on Amazon.
 
Sewing Kit
Small amount of thread, needles, extra pull for zipper, buttons, scissors, safety pins.
 
Toiletries
Keep a thicker plastic shopping bag to keep your toiletry bag in so if there is a spill it stays inside the bag. This has happened…
Toothbrush, Paste, Floss (4 tubes last for 30 day trip, 2 floss)
A battery powered toothbrush for a good clean, too
Mirror (some hotels don’t have one, or tiny in bathroom only)
Makeup and Remover
Face Cream
Lotion
Cloth (some hotels don’t have one)
Swabs
Comb/Brush
Hair Ties, Etc.
Dryer, Flat Iron, Hair Products
Shampoo/Conditioner (some hotels don’t have one or both)
Deodorant & Baby Powder (powder for legs and back)
Razor and Soap (most hotels have soap…)
Nail Care, Tweezers
Glasses & Case
Contacts & Solution
Meds & OTC
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Vaseline (helps prevent blisters if you rub on your feet before putting on shoes)
Hand Sanitizer
Tissues
Stain Removers
Suction Hooks work well to hang bags out of the way—some bathrooms are tiny and there is no place to lay bag
*Love: I use Lewis and Clark Pill Organizer great for long trips, sort before you go…all set, Contents Toiletry Bag, Target Conair Travel Hair Dryer, Chi Air Compact Travel dual voltage flat iron, battery powered toothbrush, Rick Steves travel cloth--dries very quickly has a loop to hang, Interdesign hooks, magnified mirror
 
First Aid
Itch Cream/Bug Repellant (optional)
Band-aids, all sizes mostly for blisters and cuts
Antibiotic Cream
Mole Skin (even 1 sheet can be helpful)
Cold Meds/Allergy Meds
Antiseptic Wipes

​Purse
Nice to have when you need a few things, look like a local.
Wallet/Coinpurse (there are many coins in Europe, easier to deal with if not in wallet)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hand Sanitizer
Tissue
Gum, Snacks
Guidebook/Maps/Tickets/Passes/Metro Cards
Stain Remover Wipes
Small First Aid Kit
Chapstick
2-Sided Mirror for Ornate Ceilings and personal use
Tiny expandable shopping bag, you will look like a local
Measuring Tape
*Love: I am really partial to Baggalini, they can be wiped off, have a zipper pocket inside for your wallet’s safekeeping, not too heavy, versatile, over the shoulder or crossbody. Also, Lewis and Clark RFID lightweight wallet, taxi wallets, TJMaxx has the small, lightweight, foldable shopping bags 

​Daybag
These items you might bring on the plane. When preparing for outings think daily what you will need, pack the night before so you have all parts and can grab and go—not scramble to find items and be late and harried…
Wallet/Coinpurse
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hand Sanitizer
Tissue
Gum, Snacks
Guidebook/Maps/Tickets/Passes/Metro Cards
Stain Remover Wipes
Small First Aid Kit
Chapstick
Tiny expandable shopping bag, you will look like a local
*Love: Eddie Bauer collapsible back pack, TJMaxx has the small, lightweight, foldable shopping bags, consider getting an over the door hook to hold backpacks (easy to pack for the day, out of the way)
 
Other
Ziplocs in varying sizes, roll up, put rubber bands around them, bands are useful too (you will be amazed all the ways both come in handy)
Zip ties
Flashlight
Ear Plugs, Sleep Mask/Travel Pillow/Compression Socks (keep in one bag for use on plane then store in the bottom of the suitcase)
Clock or use phone
iPad or Kindle, preload books, maps, podcasts, travel info, then clear unused apps and use it to load/post and edit photos
Adapters, multiplug to go in adapter so you can plug in multiple items—Target. Keep all wires, etc. in a mesh bag you can easily see if all are packed.
*Love: Lullies ear plugs, Rick Steves eye mask, Lewis and Clark neck rest (neck rest, socks, eye mask, ear plugs all fit in LC case)

​Luggage
Rolling Carry On
Backpack/Daypack
Purse/Wallet/Coin Purse
Extra Bag that is flat but allows you to expand what you bring back
Strap to strap carryon to your suitcase (optional)
Luggage Tag, 2 Locks (might lose one, can lock up backpack if leaving at hotel reception, use luggage tags that have a cover for your name)
2-3 Packing Cubes
Drybag for damp clothes
*Love: Rick Steves Travel Bag,Teamoy Travel Hanging Wet Dry Bag (24.7×18 inches) on Amazon, TJMaxx has collapsible athletic bags that are great for expansion
 
Money belt
Can be uncomfortable, consider silk it is more lightweight and dries more quickly
Pass Port, put in plastic bag because of perspiration
Credit Cards (test them, bring at least 2 with chip)
Local Currency/US $, put in plastic bag because of perspiration
Health Card
Driver’s License
Only carry the $ you need for the day in your wallet. Decide if you need a credit card. If not keep the rest in the money belt. You can go to the restroom to retrieve items if needed or a traveling companion can help you access the card or $.
Consider getting money at a time different than an outing, come back to your hotel and get organized.
Use the hotel safe if available and carry as little as possible on your person/bag.
 
Paperwork
Plane Tickets
Other Tickets
Reservations/Vouchers
Maps/Apps
Copies of Travel Documents
Copies of PP
Copies of CC
Credit Card Contact Info
Travel Insurance
List/Photos of Meds
Emergency Contact Info
Place for receipts, Things to keep
 
This list is good for five days or four weeks of travel.
​
Ready to go?
 
©Tuscarora Teacher Reaching for the Stars